5k

I have officially decided to run a 5k next month! I will be running on Dec. 11, and I am so excited about it! This is BIG for me. :) I have never enjoyed running, and over the years, I have run here and there only because it was an efficient work out.  I hated every second of it...

In junior high, I did track for a couple of seasons, but I really dreaded practice, and I didn't enjoy it at all. Volleyball was my sport, and I played on the varsity team my junior and senior years of high school. I loved the team aspect of the sport, and I played on teams year around from 5th grade through senior year of high school.

Then after my senior season, I stopped playing since I didn't have a desire to play in college, and suddenly I got really out of shape. My self discipline when it came to working out was terrible, and I realized how much I had depended on the structured practices. I tried to pick up running and pilates here and there, but I never stuck with it long enough to get into a groove, and over the next two years, I gained 10-15 pounds.

My junior year in college, I was unhappy with myself, and I decided to make a change. I joined Weight Watchers, which I still love, and I was able to lose the weight I had gained; however, since I was able to achieve my goal simply by changing my diet, I again never got into a consistent work out groove.

So about a month ago, I decided enough was enough. I was tired of only working out every other week if that, and it was usually motivated by Bill's gentle nudges. He is so disciplined when it comes to working out... yesterday he ran 6 miles during lunch at work!

So I started using the Couch to 5k training plan, and I am loving it! I actually tried to do this same plan a year and a half ago, but I never stuck with it. The difference maker has been that we got a treadmill for our basement last winter, and the convenience added to the fact that I can watch t.v. at the same time, has really helped my motivation.

The best part is that I am really enjoying it! The training plan is designed so well, and when it is time to move on to the next level of training, it is challenging, but I don't feel like I am about to die... haha

I am going to be running the 5k with my sister who is a great runner...She recently ran a half marathon at an 8 minute mile pace! I have informed her that my goal will be to run in just under 10 minute mile pace. And by just under, I do mean 9 minute 59 second pace, ;)

My ultimate goal is to run a 5k every couple of months! I think that signing up for races would keep me motivated. So here goes nothing!

St. Sebastian, patron saint of athletes pray for us!

p.s. I'm sorry for not posting the prayer yesterday. I promise to have them up every Monday from now on!